Rev Alex Wright, 1927–2018

faith@workMARCH 2018 [1] CONTENTS

page

The Pastor’s Pages 1

Memories from Muriel 8

Baptisms 12

Relocation: On to Phase 2 ... 21

A Generous Contribution 26

Family Affection 29

The Mission House 31

Welcome to New Members 35

Treasurer’s Report 40

Friendship Hour Celebration — Bella 41

Out and About 43

Making Disciples on a Scottish Island 46

Coming Up 48

[2] THE PASTOR’S PAGES by Jacob Brothers (Senior Pastor) he 22nd of February will forever be an important Tdate in the life of Glenrothes Baptist Church. On that day, seven years ago, my family and I with all of our earthly belongings packed into suitcases landed in this beautiful country. We were adopted into the amazing GBC family, and have seen God do many amazing things for his glory since then. Little did we know that on that day exactly seven years later — the 22nd of February, 2018 — (and the day after the death of Rev. Billy Graham) over 300 of us would gather to celebrate the life and mourn the death of this church’s first minister, the Reverend Alex Wright. Call to Christ Alex was brought up in a working class home in the mining community of Shotts. He was the middle child of the family, having one older and one younger sister. His father had been involved in a pit accident and was permanently disabled from an early age, and this made things very hard on the family. Alex’s mother was a hard worker and a dear devout soul. She had been taken along to the Baptist church by a godly Christian neighbour (never underestimate the power of a persistent and praying neighbour!) and as a result she became a Christian. Alex’s mum began taking her children and relatives to church each Sunday and to all the related children’s activities. Such was Alex’s background and introduction to things spiritual. The Reverend Jack Spiers said the following about Alex upon his proposal of him for President of the Baptist Union of Scotland in 1993: As I survey the years in Alex Wright’s journey of life, I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians—“Think what you were when you were called. Not … wise; not … influential; not … of noble birth. But God … It was Jack’s father, Rev. George Spiers of Shotts Baptist, who first

[1] preached the gospel to Alex. At 13 years old, Alex was born again and gave his life to Jesus Christ. Evidencing a life of repentance and faith in Jesus, he was later baptised and received into membership of the Shotts Church. Alex never had it easy; in that same year, due to financial constraints, he was forced to leave school with no qualification. With no disability benefits at the time, Alex would become the main breadwinner of the family by working in a barber shop. He learned the trade and eventually opened his own shop. Alex did this all the while maintaining his commitments to Christ and attendance at church and youth groups. When Alex was just 14, his newfound love of Jesus caught the eye of a little girl of just 9 years old. Charlotte—“Lottie”—said to her family, “I’m going to marry him someday”. The family just laughed, but I’m sure a few years later they weren’t laughing! Call to National Service & Call to God’s Service As Alex grew, it came time for his two years of National Service which would be with the Royal Army Medical Corps in Northern Ireland. Stationed at Warrenfield Military Hospital, Alex attended Lurgan Baptist Church, and under the ministry of Pastor McClemence he received the call from God to preach the Word … not an easy task for Alex, who not unlike Moses had a very bad stammer! “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27). Alex began preaching in Belfast at large youth rallies, giving a soldier’s testimony. After returning home, it was clear that Alex was called to ministry, but what could he do? Alex had a passion to train for ministry, and (as a good Baptist) a desire to go to Spurgeon’s College in London. But he had no qualification, no money, and little worldly hope of going anywhere. But

[2] God! Praise God for Spurgeon’s college, who had set up a fund specifically for men in special circumstances like Alex who was clearly called of God. He applied and was accepted into their four-year residential programme which was paid for—room, tuition, and board! Alex’s time at Spurgeon’s was like no other. Many years later, he reminisced about that time—not just studying the Word but also developing his love of football. Alex was actually quite good—being the captain of their football team and going undefeated! If the Lord hadn’t called him to ministry maybe he would

have been a footballer! In more recent years, he and the family could be found every second Saturday at Ibrox watching their favourite team. Call to Marriage All his time away, Alex was continually encouraged by the godly girl (not so little anymore) who would continue to pray for and write to him on all his journeys in Ireland, through preaching, and at Spurgeon’s. Eventually Alex obtained permission to begin dating her (not only from her relatives, but also from the Principal at Spurgeon’s). The night before graduation, Alex asked Lottie to marry him. The two of them celebrated many wonderful years together; the blessing of two godly sons David and Alastair, and two beloved granddaughters whom Alex

[3] Alex & Lottie at Werner & Rachael Golz’s wedding, 1988 adored, Lindsay and Kirsty. The Lord also blessed the Wrights with a very special relationship with a daughter in the Lord as well—Rachael (Newborough) Golz Belton, and her family. Call to Ministry After Alex’s theological training, he was ordained in Shotts Baptist, and inducted to his first post at Stocking Farm Free Baptist Church in Leicester in 1954. There Alex was a pioneer, an evangelist, and a church planter. He went out and stayed with a Welsh couple in this large new housing estate where there was no church. Going around the doors they saw God move in a mighty way. Within about a year, the Sunday School was up to 400, there was a consistent congregation, and the church had a building and established ministries for all ages. This first post would be a significant training ground for what God would have for the rest of his days ministering in his home country. Call to Scotland In 1958, an infant church in uncongenial conditions (to put it mildly) called this young minister and his family. In a real step of faith, this family were called of God and were used as instruments in the Redeemer’s hands. They poured out their lives in Glenrothes and were (and remain) great giants upon whose shoulders we stand today. God called them to minister in this fellowship from 1958 until retirement in 1992—a ministry of 34 years! In addition to the length of Alex’s service, Jack Spiers noted how his ministry in Glenrothes was unique:

[4] … the growth of the church from 20 members to 140 plus adherents, the negotiation of a building exchange with the Episcopal Church at very advantageous terms giving the Baptists a large spacious building in a strategic position and clearing the debt incurred in acquiring the building; the standing and influence of the Baptist church in the town; and the unstinted pastoral care and counselling to those within and without the church. You can read about much of Alex’s ministry here in the book The Adventure of Faith by Rev. Neil Allison (see page 11). After retirement Alex was elected as the President of the Baptist Union where he and Lottie would represent Scottish Baptists around the world in various settings and gatherings. At the loss of Alex, we grieve—but not as those who have no hope. We have a Saviour who has risen! We have the sure and certain hope of the resurrection from the dead through our only Saviour Jesus Christ our Lord. Just as Billy Graham said of himself (and D.L. Moody before him), so it is true of Alex Wright: Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God. In many ways, Alex’s death—and, indeed, the death of Billy Graham— mark the end of an era. About one third of our congregation were significantly influenced by the ministry of both of these mighty men of God. We are in a very different age now—no longer knocking on doors and helping a somewhat Christianised people get back to church; no longer will many people come to a church service or have much of an idea about the God of the Bible. At least 60% of Glenrothes (as of 2011) claims no religious affiliation whatsoever. The percentage of churched people in this town stands at between 1 and 1.5%. The need has never been greater, and the fields have never been riper for the harvest! Alex and Billy have run their races; they have kept the faith. They are enjoying their rest at the Saviour’s side. What about us? As they have finished the race and the baton has passed from their hand, are we picking it up?

[5] I will finish this article simply with a few meditations on Hebrews 12, and how Christians are called to live life in response to people of faith who have given their lives for God’s mission. After the writer of Hebrews reminds us of the great hall of faith in Chapter 11, he then goes on to write in Chapter 12: “Therefore … Let us”. In other words, as we look at God’s faithfulness in the lives of others who have gone before us it should inspire us as Christians to do something today! Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1-2). Let us … Lay aside every weight (anything that slows us down or distracts us in God’s race). Let us … Lay aside the sin which clings so closely (throwing off sin that trips us up in running God’s race). Let us … run with endurance (this is not a sprint! Let’s pace ourselves and not give up). Let us … run … the race God has marked out for us (we don’t get to choose the path—the good Lord does). Let us … look to Jesus (Jesus is our hope, our help, and our comforter). Let us … look to Jesus as the founder (the one who started the good work in us). Let us … look to Jesus as the perfecter (the one who will bring the good work to completion). Let us … look to Jesus who endured the cross as he delighted himself in the Father and the Father’s will. Let us … look to Jesus who is seated in glory at God’s right hand (enjoying the reward of his Father). I pray that as we step into new and uncharted territory in this needy and broken world, we would not lose sight of the fact that Billy Graham,

[6] Alex Wright, and you and I are the things of the world that are not … But God! By his grace, may we all be faithful to be those who run with perseverance the race he has marked out for us. Your brother and pastor, Jacob

Billy Graham, 1918 – 2018

eaven is our home—our final home—our ultimate place of complete Hpeace and security and joy forever. Here our homes are imperfect, even at best; sadly, for many people home may actually be a place of conflict and unhappiness. But this isn’t true of Heaven. When we belong to Christ, we know that when we die we finally will be at peace—for we will be home. Paul’s words to the Christians in Corinth apply to us as well: “As long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord ... [but we] would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6, 8). Heaven is our hope, Heaven is our future, and Heaven is our home! I look forward to being home at last, and I pray you do also. Billy Grahem, Nearing Home (Thomas Nelson, 2011), pp. 178-179.

[7] ­MEMORIES FROM MURIEL by Muriel Stenhouse

Just a few of my many memories of my minister, Mr Wright … so glad to have been one of his girls … s a wee girl, watching communion services, with dad and the minis- Ater sitting on “thrones” at the table, with its unusual (Greek) letters covered by the huge lacy tablecloth. Aware that mum was taking part in

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev. 22:12-13) something special and “holy”, I would keep a fruit pastille (from the ser- mon) and pop it in my mouth when she took the little square of bread. After a particular service, noticing his pink tie and matching socks (with a pale grey suit, I think?) and asking if he had pink pants to com- plete the outfit (mine always matched)! After another service, telling him I wanted to become a minister when I grew up, and being shocked to learn that (in the sixties) as a girl I could just be a missionary, not a minister. Clearly I didn’t have “a calling”, for the thought of mud huts and weird food and being so far from mum and dad quickly changed my mind … and I became what I was always intend- ed to be — a teacher, laterally as Head of Pastoral Care! As a Junior at Girls’ Brigade, when Mr Wright would come in to the hall at Warout Primary and join in the skipping. He didn’t sing the rhymes but he never missed a jump! As a young teenager at YPF Christmas party, when Mr Wright and

[8] [8] Lynn Marnoch always won the “Tipperary” game — and he was ace at musical chairs, too! As a High School pupil, when Mr Wright was a familiar and reassuring presence in the exam hall — but he had to remind me to stop shoogling my knee, as it was distracting others! As a 14-year-old, being baptised by Mr Wright in the original church — after several years of asking and being told by both dad and the min- ister that I had to “wait until I was old enough”. At last it was my turn to have “O Happy Day”! Clearly remember my astonishment at the long black rubber waders worn under his black gown! As a student at St Andrews University, going along to the Baptist Church as a first year that first Sunday, to discover that Mr Wright had already told Rev. Stan Firth I would be there! Just as well I didn’t try the Chapel! As a post-grad at Aberdeen Teacher Training College, making the long journey home one Friday in February to be with mum and Gillian after the sudden death of dad. Mr Wright was an absolute rock — giv- ing sound advice about every aspect of the decisions we were suddenly facing, and helping us to find “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow” in the words of what was to become “our” family hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. Will never forget that funeral, the first in the new church building where St. Luke’s had been, when my dear friend, David Wright helped carry dad’s coffin up all those stairs. As a young bride, just five months later, being assured by Mr Wright that my dad was very much part of my marriage service, even though I had to walk down the aisle with Uncle Mungo. (Then his fatherly concern as two of my four bridesmaids fainted from standing in the heat of the sun streaming through those huge windows at the front of the church!) As a proud mum of wee Morag, having Mr Wright lead our dedication service and take her in his arms to bless her, even though her long white gown, covering the plastic splint for her “clicky hip”, made things a bit trickier than usual. As a young GB officer, being called as Captain of the company on mum’s retiral, being assured by Mr Wright that, as with Joshua taking

[9] [9] on leadership after the amazing Moses, God would be with me, blessing me and giving me every gift I needed to take on the “red lanyard”. His pastoral and practical support never wavered — he and Mrs Wright were our number one encouragers in everything we did as a company, and, with Mrs Graham, were guaranteed to be in the front row at every display, concert, musical, and fashion show. As the leader of around forty girls from ages 5 to 15, given the ab- solute honour of presenting the “musical interlude” for Mr Wright’s in- stallation as President of the Baptist Union. As we filled the stage at the Caird Hall, ready for our first “King of Kings” song (and dance), I was suddenly aware of what a “high-powered” audience was out there, more accustomed to adult choirs or musical ensembles ... but Mr Wright’s broad smile and nod of encouragement were all I needed to turn back to the girls and lead them through the performance of their lives! We loved him so much and were so proud to be his girls. As a mum again, after nearly eight long years of waiting, bringing wee Graham to be dedicated by Mr Wright — and so happy that he made big sister Morag feel equally special that morning.

A Sunday School prizegiving

[10] [10] Just a couple of years later, given the privilege of organising the con- tribution of the church children at Mr Wright’s retiral celebration. The front of the church filled by boys and girls from toddlers to teens, cap- tured in a brilliant photograph of the now Assistant Pastor, Matthew, and so many other wee guys who are now parents themselves, many of them still involved at Glenrothes Baptist Church.

The Adventure of Faith 104pp | paperback | illustrated £5.00 towards the Relocation Fund Just 24 copies remaining! Available in the Welcome Area (please put payment in the money box), or from the Editor: Colin Roworth, 124 Ralston Court, Glenrothes KY6 2PU; [email protected]

sing as his main source the Newsletters published by the church Ubetween 1958 and 1993, Neil Allison (pastor 1993-1998) tells the story of the 34-year ministry of his predecessor Rev. Alexander Wright, the first pastor of Glenrothes Baptist Church.

[11] [11] ­BAPTISMS

Colin Brown Baptised 29 October 2017 by Matthew Marshall and Paul Greer

“The time is now right for me to publicly repent and be baptised.”

[12] [12] Colin’s testimony was brought up in a Christian home. My Iparents had me christened in Wemyss Parish Church in 1974, the church in which they had been married on 30 September 1967. I was a regular at Sunday school in Wemyss although in my teenage and University years I spent most Sunday mornings refereeing football around Fife. At University whilst I was still refereeing and not attending church regularly I joined the Lawyers Christian Fellow- ship. I remain a member today. I guess the one event where I have publicly gone to make a statement of giving my life to Christ was in 1999 when I attended a Franklin Gra- ham event at McDiarmid Park in Perth with a group from Wemyss Parish Church. Eighteen years on I struggle to recall the particular message that evening, which meant I walked from the stands and prayed on the pitch with the volunteers from the churches in Perth. I exchanged letters and Christmas cards for a few years after this with the man from Perth who I had prayed with that night. I always think there’s something interesting about the fact that God chose a football stadium for me. The year before the Franklin Graham event was also significant in my life as I had been promoted on to the Senior list of football referees in Scotland. My first appointment was to a game in the same stadium. I attended Wemyss Parish Church regularly until it joined Buckhaven Parish Church in a Union in September 2008. The Lord used my skills to serve him at Wemyss as I was the church Treasurer for 5 years and regu- larly helped with the youth group and summer holiday club. Have I lived a perfect sin-free life? — absolutely not. I am grateful to in particular Reverend Kenneth Donald from Wemyss for his guidance and prayer at a time when I was not living in a biblical way. Ken’s ability to come and have that difficult conversation taught me a great deal about how someone should lead their life in the eyes of the Lord.

[13] [13] Kirsten and I began dating in May 2006. My hope had always been that when the time came to find a wife, I would find a fellow Christian to settle down with. The Lord had this under control—one of the criteria our mutual friend, who thought we would be a good fit for each other, used was the fact that we both had a Christian faith. Kirsten had been attending Cowdenbeath Baptist Church so when we came to be married we used her Pastor and what had been my church building. After our marriage we failed to settle in any of the churches we visited. However this did not diminish our faith. In 2010, as many of you know, we were blessed with the arrival of Innes; in 2012 Keir joined us; and then on 16 November 2013 Eilish joined us. My faith was tested like never before in April 2014 when Eilish was admitted to Victoria Hospital. After a series of tests we were given the devastating news that she had Krabbe Disease. Whilst we know from Psalm 139 that all of our children’s days are written in the Lord’s book, we never think that the number will be, as it was in Eilish’s case, just 297. Eilish died on 9 September 2014 at Rachel House Children’s Hospice in Kinross. In the days following her death Jacob came to visit Kirsten and me at Rachel House. Not attending a church gave us an issue in finding some- where to hold her funeral. Thankfully you were all very gracious and allowed us to use the building at 8 Church Street for this. I was angry with the Lord in 2014. Why Eilish? What had we and our families done to deserve this? When Eilish was in hospital my dad came in one Sunday to sit with me and her after he had been to church, and he brought her a Palm Cross. This stayed with her until we left hospital for Rachel House. The presence of the Palm Cross opened up conversations with medical staff. One of the nurses who looked after Eilish was Lisa, a Christian from Cupar who shared her faith with us and told us she was praying for us and Eilish. We got confirmation of Eilish’s diagnosis the day before Good Friday. Over the Easter weekend the on call consultant was Dr. John Morrice.

[14] [14] John is also a Christian; he and his wife Jo also have a child who is with the Lord. On Easter Sunday Kirsten and I left Eilish, to visit Rachel House for the first time. Following that visit we were due to catch up with John that day. However John was called off to an emergency in the hospital early in the evening and Eilish’s nurse said he was likely to be away for some time. Our routine with Eilish was that we would stay with her until she went to sleep and then come home. I would always call before going to sleep just to check that all was OK. On Easter Sunday my call was later than normal. I got Eilish’s nurse around 11.45pm and she insisted, despite my protestations, that I speak to John. John and I had never dis- cussed our faith until this time and as the call came to a close John said, “I understand you are a Christian”. My response was “Yes I am, and I understand you are too”. We concluded the call by wishing each other a Happy Easter. On Easter Monday we realised what had taken John away from the Children’s Ward that evening, when Kirsten read on the BBC News web- site that a child in Fife had been murdered. When we sat that day looking at Eilish knowing we could not save her, the anger at the unspeakable cruelty which had caused the death of this other child troubled us. How could an all powerful and loving God allow two families in Fife to be broken during Holy Week? The Lord as ever had this situation in his plan. John and I meet every few months and we normally arrange this several weeks in advance. On one occasion having arranged a date it became the same day where John had to give evidence in the murder trial. Just as the Lord had provided Kirsten and me with John for his medical skills, he was now able to use my legal skills. We have long come to realise and accept that we will never have answers to these questions. What we do have is the comfort that Eilish is now with the Lord free of the awful disease; free of this world full of sin. We take comfort from the fact that we know we will be with her again one day. As Kirsten and I tried to start rebuilding our lives we decided to bring Innes and Keir to a service in GBC in November 2014. Kirsten knew

[15] [15] many people from her time in the church but I knew nobody. Christmas 2014 was hard; our hopes and dreams for our family had been snatched away from us in the cruellest possible way. We continued to worship among you, and you have let us find our feet in the church. What was not clear to me was how the Lord wanted me to serve him at GBC. Why after not settling in a church with Kirsten did GBC feel like the right place? The Lord finally answered this in April 2016, when Jacob and Mat- thew both said to me, “You know things about property; we need to meet.” We invited Jacob and Matthew with their families for lunch on May Day and discussed various ideas. Those of you who attended the evening service on the opening week- end last August heard some of my testimony on this. As I reflect on the move to the new building, I know the Lord was at work on this project long before any of us knew about it. A year or so before Simon Usher, the Asset Manager of the Kingdom Centre, uttered the words “What about Unicorn House?” we had dinner in Balgeddie House Hotel. In the course of our discussions that evening the issue of us both having a Christian faith had come up. Having discus- sions on a church relocation project where one of the decision makers is also a Christian makes things much more straightforward. Jacob and Matthew often received texts from me saying we needed to pray now because papers on the deal were being considered by those who Simon had to report to. I work in a legal firm which can at times be dif- ficult and stressful. Living a Christian life means that I know what ultimately matters in a transac- tion. My colleagues know that I am a Christian and see how I conduct myself. The time is now right for me to publicly repent and be baptised, and I thank each and every one of you in GBC for making Kirsten, Innes, Keir, Lara and me a part of your church family.

[16] [16] Thomas Greer Baptised 29 October 2017 by Jacob Brothers and Paul (Dad) Greer

“God’s Holy Spirit was revealing the truth of the gospel to me and I realised that Jesus died for my sin.”

[17] [17] Thomas’s testimony was brought up in a Christian home I and was always taught the basic Chris- tian values. I’ve been going to church for as long as I can remember but never really got involved or took any real interest. It wasn’t until we moved back to Glenrothes and started to come to Glenrothes Bap- tist Church that I began getting involved more and taking an interest. It was a gradual realisation that I want- ed what everyone else had for myself and not just through my parents. Although I probably didn’t realise it, God’s Holy Spirit was revealing the truth of the gospel to me and I realised that Jesus died for my sin. I felt led to be involved in the worship band and realised that I was able to use my gifts to help others worship. It was through the band and talking to other members that I was helped to grow stronger in my faith in Jesus, and one night at the band practice there was mention of a spontaneous baptism, and it was then I decided to be baptised. I knew that I believed in Jesus in my heart, so it was time to confess that faith with my mouth. I had already helped out as a leader at an SU camp on the Isle of Arran where it was great to talk with likeminded Christians of my own age. I see myself continuing to help more with the worship, but also trying to bring along more people my age to show them that Church doesn’t have to be a boring place like they think it is.

[18] [18] Norma Campbell ► Kevin White ► Karen White ► Charles Donaldson ► Bill Bishop Baptised 17 December by Jacob Brothers and Matthew Marshall

Left to right: Jacob, Norma, Charles, Karen, Kevin, Bill, and Matthew

Norma

In a new “innovation”, all five candidates were interviewed on film before the service, with an edited version being shown to the congregation. All professed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, repenting of their sin, and declaring their desire to be baptised in obedience to the Word of God.

[19] [19] Clockwise from above: Kevin, Charles, Karen, The Cake ... and Bill

[20] [20] RELOCATION: ON TO PHASE 2 ... ifficult to believe that we’ve been “in” for 9 months! Work has continued— Dmainly on Phase 2 (2nd floor)—during this time, and this photographic record continues from that in the October 2017 magazine.

WORK DAYS (5 & 10 OCTOBER 2017)

Above and right: Matthew, Niel, and Ross at work preparing the boiler room (see also page 27)

Above and right: Upstairs and downstairs— Sue, Jo, Brittany, and Natalie at the painting

[21] [21] THE HEATING SYSTEM (OCTOBER–DECEMBER)

Let there be heat! Between October and December 2017, Alba Heat & Power installed the biomass boiler and fitted radiators (more about this on pages 26-28)

WORKING WITH LUCA (13 JANUARY 2018)

We have had two visits from Luca Pais-Silaghi of Arad, Romania — in January and February — which have siginificantly advanced things on the 2nd floor. Here is the group which worked with him on 13 January; Luca is second from the left (partially obscured) in the back row.

[22] [22] PHASE 2 TAKING SHAPE ... 26 JANUARY

From left: What will be the conference room, games hall, youth room, toilets, and main kitchen

[23] [23] ... AND 19 MARCH

Conference room

Games hall

Right & below: Youth rooms

[24] [24] Kitchen

Toilets Below: Domestic hot water cylinders— for the hot water supply to all the taps in the building (these have been Lift lobby in for some time)

Hallway

[25] [25] ­A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION by Loma K. Robertson

his article is to explain how GBC came to be in receipt of a grant Tto install biomass heating and to acknowledge the contributors to- wards this project. The monies are from a fund which is available to community groups who can fulfil the required criteria in order to apply to this scheme, Glen- rothes Baptist Church being one such organ- istion. The fund is regulated by the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and is operated by SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency). It is a system whereby landfill site operators are encouraged to contribute tax credits to benefit community and environ- mental projects. The monies are then allo- cated to approved bodies, Fife Environment Trust (FET) being one such body. It then be- comes the responsibility of the FET trustees to ascertain whether applications made to them meet the required criteria for funding, and to distribute the funds accordingly. Glenrothes Baptist Church would like to thank all concerned with FET for their gen- erous contribution of £49,631.25, towards the installation of a carbon-friendly, biomass heating system for the new building, as the church moves towards its goal of having a self-sustaining, carbon-neutral building. That amounts to 60% of the cost. Biomass heating reduces the carbon emissions that the church emits into the environment from 28,800 to 2,500 tonnes per annum — that is

[26] [26] a reduction of 26,300 tonnes per year. This is a significant figure in terms of our local environment and our contribution towards good steward- ship of our God-given environment. The contribution permitting this installation is not only benefitting the church but also the groups that operate as outreach ministries to our local community and beyond. As the renovation of the building contin- ues and the long term vision of Glenrothes Baptist Church is realised, so the number of vulnerable and needy people being reached will increase, allowing the community to benefit from a warm, user-friendly environ- ment. Many thanks to SLCF through Fife Environment Trust for their gen- erosity and to Wayne Campbell of Alba Heat & Power for the many hours of work in the installation process. [... and the church’s thanks to Loma for painstakingly processing the application on our behalf! – Ed.] Preparing the boiler room (5 October 2017)

[27] [27] Boiler delivery (12 October)

Installing the boiler ... and the radiators Setting up the app (October/ November) (14 December)

First pellet delivery (14 December)

[28] [28] ­FAMILY AFFECTION by Jeanne Montgomery n 4 February 2018, Mike & Jeanne Montgomery from Kentucky, and Otheir children Mattie (10), Allie (8), and Henry (7), were welcomed to GBC. Mike has taken up a post as Ministry Intern, and has already got “stuck in” to many areas of need — not least helping on Phase 2!

ear GBC, D My family and I want to sincerely thank you all for the love and support you have shown us as we have come to join you all here in Glenrothes. Our family has been overwhelmed by the way this church family has welcomed and looked after us. Even before you met most of our family, you helped us get here, provided us a home to live in, gave generously so that we would have even the smallest amenities, and even stocked the home with everything we could possibly need for a few days. What a blessing! But these physical comforts only tell part of the story.

[29] [29] Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble ... Show family affection to one another and brotherly love (1 Peter 3:8, 10) From the moment our family arrived in Scotland it has been evident to us that the people of GBC are a people that seek Christ. To find that we are “like-minded” in living lives that glorify Christ with people 4,000 miles from our home, has been a beautiful thing to see! The sympathy, love, and compassion that have been shown to our family have been filled with family affection and brotherly love. So we thank you for put- ting this passage from 1 Peter into actions, and showing us what it looks like to live these verses. We pray that the Lord will use our family however he sees fit and that we will be obedient in his directions, to glorify him, and to be a help and blessing to GBC.

Mike and Luca at work in the 2nd floor hallway

[30] [30] THE­ MISSION HOUSE er house at 27 Queen Margaret Drive was part of Anne Munro’s generous Hlegacy to the church, which has previously been mentioned in these pages. Since we got the keys in the middle of last year, a great deal has been accomplished: • The existing furnishings and fittings have been stripped out. • The roof was completely replaced at the end of February due to leakage and damp. • We are in the process of reinstating the ceilings and walls. Thanks to all who have worked on this, notably Russ Robertson, Mike Montgomery, and Ross Brown. More help always welcome!

The photographs on the following pages illustrate something of the “before” (July 2017) and “after” (March 2018) appearance— although they might seem to be the other way round in some instances!

[31] [31] BEFORE AFTER

[32] [32] BEFORE AFTER

[33] [33] REPLACING THE ROOF

TWO OF THE WORKERS!

You have an opportunity to contribute to the cost of all this work! We will be celebrating our 62nd Anniversary on 29 April, with Rev. Hamish Wishart of Cornton Baptist Church as our guest preacher. In conjunc- tion with this there will be a special Anniversary Thanksgiving Offering. This year the monies raised will go towards the refurbishment of the Mission House. The target is £7000 There will be envelopes available soon for your donations. Please Gift Aid these if possible, by completing the accompanying form.

[34] [34] WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS KAREN MCKAIG — 19 NOVEMBER 2017

 THOMAS GREER (LEFT) AND KEV THOMSON JNR. — 3 DECEMBER

[35] [35] COLIN & KIRSTEN BROWN — 3 DECEMBER

MARK & RUTH SMITH — 3 DECEMBER

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[36] [36] PAUL & NATALIE WALLACE — 10 DECEMBER

 ROB & KATHRYN LEES — 4 FEBRUARY 2018

[37] [37] HAMISH & HEATHER SINCLAIR — 4 FEBRUARY

NORMA CAMPBELL — 4 FEBRUARY

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[38] [38] BILL BISHOP — 18 MARCH

CHARLES & ANN DONALDSON — 18 MARCH

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[39] [39] ­TREASURER’S REPORT by Helen Clarkson Weekly offerings verage weekly offerings since the beginning of our financial year Ahave been a bit up and down, but exceeded the budget figure of £2222 per month in the last two months — well done everyone! Month Average weekly offering (£) October 2017 1825.59 November 2000.82 December 1869.91 January 2018 2245.06 February 2311.90 Budget £2222 per week Gift Aid Returns Tax returns from Gift-aided donations in October–December 2017 amounted to £4483.50. Please remember that for every £1 given through Gift Aid, the church can claim an additional 25 pence from HMRC. So if you are a taxpayer please consider filling in a Gift Aid form (available from me). Anniversary Thanksgiving Offering We will be celebrating the church’s 62nd Anniversary on 29 April. This year the Anniversary Offering goes towards renovation of the ‘Mission House’ generously provided as part of Anne Munro’s legacy. The target is £7000. Please remember that you can Gift Aid donations to this! Relocation Phase 2 - Giving Day Up to 18 March, the total given was £22185.50, with another £4615 to come from Gift Aid returns. Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed to this. Target 1 is £50,000 to enable us to complete the youth rooms, disabled toilet, games hall, and conference room on the second floor, so we are just over half-way there.

[40] [40] ­FRIENDSHIP HOUR CELEBRATION by Eric Walls

BELLA he beginning of our 2018 session brought an exciting event in the Thistory of the Friendship Hour when one of our members, Bella Brown from Leslie reached her 100th birthday on 11th January 2018. This was a “first” since our meeting started many years ago.

Bella was born in Lochgelly on 11th January 1918 and moved to Leslie when 11 years old. She became friends with Eileen Balfour’s Mum and her sister Ciss, and the three became known locally as “The Three Mus- keteers”! Bella’s family moved through to Glasgow where she became a nurse and she met her future husband in the hospital in which she worked. They eventually moved back to Leslie after marriage and Bella was baptised in Leslie Baptist with Eileen’s Mum, Ella! She lost her hus- band George 22 years ago and now attends our Friendship Hour being

[41] [41] driven there by her daughter Christine. We wish Bella God’s richest blessings in the days ahead!

Below: Gina (far right) managed to get out!

Above: One of the tables

Eric with Bella and daughter Christine

[42] [42] OUT­ AND ABOUT A DEDICATION

On 8 October 2017, Russ and Loma Robertson, with their daughter Jade, brought Reese before the congregation, to dedicate themselves to bring him up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”.  A MARRIAGE

Kevin & Karen White, married on 18 October 2017. Kevin & Karen (= Trojan Press in Leslie) do a great job for us producing the weekly notice sheet, this magazine, all sorts of flyers and leaflets, the Nativity backdrop, large thermometers (!), etc., etc. — and the Easter Services transfer on the front door! They were baptised on 17 December — see pp. 19-20.

[43] [43] A CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITY

This is the scene during a break in the Banner of Truth Borders Conference held on 10-11 November 2017 in the Church of Scotland, Carlisle. Colin & Sue Roworth attended (for the first time), and were much blessed by messages from Iain H. Murray, Ian Hamilton, and Phil Heaps. During the “Reports” session on the Saturday afternoon, Colin was asked to share what God was doing at GBC.  CHRISTMAS!

The Friendship Hour Christmas Party was held on 12 December. Do you recognise who’s behind that Father Christmas beard (above)?! Ella (right) contributed the meringues — mmmmm!

[44] [44] CAROLS IN THE TOWN CENTRE

Singing in front of Rothes Halls, 23 December  ENJOYING THE HOGMANAY CEILIDH

ADALYN GRACE GALBRAITH, born 20 November 2017, at her first Hogmanay, with proud parents Stephen & Sativa

[45] [45] ­WHITING BAY REUNION by Gavin Thomson

MAKING DISCIPLES ON A SCOTTISH ISLAND n the weekend of 16–18 February 2018 Joanna and I, along with Oour children, were on the Isle of Arran. We were joined by Kevin Thomson and Thomas Greer from GBC along with ten further leaders (and two more children) drawn from across Scotland to run a reunion weekend for the summer mission in the village of Whiting Bay.

For the last seven years we have had the privilege of leading the SU Scotland summer mission in Whiting Bay, and in the last two years we have also run a weekend event part way through the year to bridge the gap between summer events. At the weekend we focussed in on the story of Josiah from 2 Kings, finishing our teaching by noticing that Josiah reinstated the Passover and recognising that even though Josiah was listed as a good king he was not good enough to bring his people to God. We saw how Jesus is both

[46] [46] the best king ever and how he is the perfect sacrifice that the Passover pointed to. The challenge was left with the children and young people to consider what king they follow in their life. We had a good number of children and young people come along from P1 all the way up to S6 and ran a programme on the Saturday from 10:30am – 4:00pm for all ages, 7:00pm – 9:30pm for high school pupils, and on the Sunday we took part in the local church service and then ran a further club for all ages from 2:00pm – 5:00pm before rushing for the last boat back to the mainland. The programme had a mix of games, songs, interviews with team members, memory verses, crafts, and lots more.

Some of the teenagers who have come along to mission events for many years committed to follow Jesus some time ago. In non-Christian families they struggle to know how to put into practice what they believe. Please pray that this summer we’d be able to help disciple them and that there would be local opportunities for them to grow as Christians. We look forward to heading back to Whiting Bay this summer, when we also hope to run some activities in Brodick, the main village on the island, from 14–28 July. We’ll need a team of people to help us—people to work with children and teenagers; we are looking for a new cook for this summer, and of course we look for many to pray for all that will go on. If you’d like to find out more or get involved please speak to Gavin or Joanna Thomson.

[47] [47] COMING UP

Saturday 12 May, 2018 Hamilton College, Hamilton ML3 0AY Registration 9.15am. Conference times: 10.00am – 3.30pm As always, for those who appreciate fine biblical preaching, we recommend this Conference. And there’s an excellent bookstall! 2018 Speakers Dr. Steven J. Lawson is President and founder of OnePassion Ministries, a ministry designed to equip biblical expositors to bring about a new reformation in the church, and hosts The Institute for Expository Preaching in cities around the world. He is also a Teaching Fellow for Ligonier Ministries. Dr. Lawson served as a pastor for thirty-four years in Arkansas and Alabama. Kenneth Stewart is a minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland. From North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides, he drifted away from church in his teenage years but came to faith in Christ at the age of 18 through the witness of a scripture reader with the British army. Persuaded that God was calling him to preach the gospel, he was ordained in 1991 and, since then, has pastored several congregations in Scotland and Canada and has been minister of the Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church since it was planted in 2011.

Conference Fees Adults—£5 | Students—£4 | 17's and under—free It isn’t necessary to book in advance. Tea and coffee are provided at no extra cost, but delegates should bring a packed lunch. More information can be found at the Conference website— www.scottishreformedconference.org

[48] [48] Sunday 1 July – Friday 6 July 2018 The Faith Mission Bible College, Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 8QG With a programme for all ages, centred around solid, relevant Bible teaching, the Convention aims to encourage God-glorifying, contagious gospel living. The desire of the speakers to evangelise and disciple will form the core theme of the Convention meetings and feature in many of the seminars.

Keynote Speakers Joe Barnard – runs Cross Training Ministries, a ministry focused on enabling men to pursue spiritual fitness (Boot Camp guys—take note!). Roger Carswell – evangelist and author. John Shearer – has pastored churches in Ireland and Scotland; retired from the pastoral ministry in 2011. More information at www.faithmission.org

[49] [49] The Montgomery family — Mike & Jeanne, Mattie, Allie, and Henry (See pages 29-30).

GLENROTHES BAPTIST CHURCH FALKLAND WAY, GLENROTHES KY7 5NS Aim: “to glorify God through worship and witness”

Sunday worship at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm Senior Pastor: Rev Jacob Brothers Tel. 07872 385633 [email protected] Administrator: Loma Robertson Tel. 01592 569921 [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue of faith@work. The Editor can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01592 755773 or 07977 234046.

Front Cover: Rev. Alex Wright, dearly beloved first pastor of Glenrothes Baptist Church, who passed to glory 28 January 2018—see pages 1-11.

[50] www.glenrothesbaptistchurch.org.uk